Our small tranquil town of Urunga came to life last weekend when almost 390 anglers and their families rolled into town to participate in the 5th annual Berkley Urunga Sport Fishing Flathead Tournament.
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The competition took place over Saturday and Sunday on both the Bellinger and Kalang Rivers, running from the sailing club on Atherton Drive, Urunga.
Competitors are limited to using lures only. And the event is 100 per cent sustainable, meaning all the fish caught get a quick photo on the “Softgaff” measuring device, have a few vital measurements and other specifics documented on the score card, then get released back into the water with minimal to no harm whatsoever.
Anglers fishing the competition come from far and wide, some as far south as Melbourne in Victoria, and North of Brisbane in Queensland. And of course a fair showing of locals were on hand to make sure the trophies stayed in the area.
The perpetual “Longest Flathead” trophy was awarded to a young man by the name of Toby Woodward of Inverell, whose giant Dusky Flathead measured in at a whopping 86cm, equalling the all time club record!
The junior divisions were hotly contested with over 70 anglers participating in the 15 years and under categories. It was Holly Brown from Newcastle who took home the Champion Junior Lady trophy, and Kieran Wray from Coffs Harbour who was crowned the Junior Male Champion.
In the adult divisions it came down to the wire and only a few points separated both the ladies and men's champions. Bellingen local Alana McBaron came out on top and took out the Champion Lady division, whilst Ashley Holdsworth from Sawtell was crowned the Overall/Adult Male Champion.
For a full list of results please see the "Berkley Urunga Sport Fishing Flathead Tournament" facebook page.
The weekend was mostly about being out on the water and enjoying this friendly fun competition: catching a few fish is sometimes just a bonus.
The real winners were all the competitors who took home a share in over $80,000 worth of prizes such as a boat, motor and trailer package from North Coast Boating Centre, Vouchers for MOTACKLE & Outdoors, Berkley Lures, and Softgaff Accumats among much more.
The Urunga Anglers Club are extremely grateful for all the support from both the community and all the business that help make this event happen.
Mark it in your calendar for the weekend of the 8th, 9th and 10th of November 2019.
